Outdoor Activities for a Summer Time Sweat

June 26, 2023 by Leave a comment

There’s no substitute for being outdoors. The fresh air, the sunshine, the cool breeze — it’s all invigorating, especially if you’ve been cooped up inside. This Monday, let nature be your gymnasium by adding some outside-activities to your workout routine.

Exercising in a park or wooded area, especially during the summer months, is an excellent way to experience all the sights, sounds, and smells of nature while also getting in your daily physical activity.

But what can you do to stay fit outdoors? A whole lot. Sure, you can start with a simple jog to warm up, but there are many more interesting/exhilarating activities you can do outside, depending on the type of adventure you seek.

Biking

Even at a leisurely pace, biking offers a number of health benefits including increased cardiovascular ability and muscle strength, decreased stress levels, and improved posture and mobility. When riding in the park, try to wear bright or fluorescent colors so that pedestrians can easily see you from a distance away.

Gardening

Weeding, planting, watering, and harvesting can do you a lot of good. Gardening has been shown to improve vitamin D exposure, boost mood, and reduce risk of dementia. Squatting, bending, and sweating is good for the soul as well as joint health and mobility.

Lawn Sports

Frisbee, croquet, and horseshoes don’t have to be relegated to backyard cookouts. These leisurely sports can be a great source of low-intensity physical activity. They’re mobile, simple to set up, and they can be quite entertaining if you’ve got a competitive side.

Nature Hike

It can be through a park, wooded area, or even your own backyard, taking a nature hike (or walk) is one-part physical activity, one-part stress relief. Call your local park service; they should be able to direct you to a list of approved trails and hikes.

Swimming

Lake, pond, or pool, swimming is a great aerobic exercise that will keep you cool and refreshed (and maybe a little out of breath). Try doing laps or make a game out of it if you’re with a friend or partner.

Source: Outdoor Activities for a Summer Time Sweat

Filed under Decatur Parks & Rec, Exercise, Healthy Monday, Monday Campaigns Tagged with ,

Achieve Your Fitness Goals with Family and Friends this Monday

June 5, 2023 by Leave a comment

family fitness walking

A study looking at group fitness showed that physical, mental, and emotional quality of life improves when participants exercise together. It could also lead to a significant improvement in mood and well-being.

So, instead of working out solo, grab a friend, or your whole family. Here are some fun group fitness ideas:

  • Take a fitness class together like Zumba or Pilates
  • Walk or jog a Monday Mile
  • Grab some bikes and take a bike ride
  • Do some mini-exercises together
  • Sign-up for a dance class, where partners are part of the fun!
  • Roll out your mats and take a yoga class
  • Organize a game in a court, like basketball or volleyball

Do some group fitness with your family and friends on Monday to be happy and healthy, together.

Filed under City of Decatur, Decatur Parks & Rec, Exercise, Healthy Monday, Monday Campaigns Tagged with , ,

Move It For Your Mood

May 22, 2023 by

Physical activity comes with psychological and physiological benefits that can help improve mood and manage stress.

All forms of exercise — from walking and jogging to yoga and weight lifting — can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Plus, many forms of movement are free, accessible to all individuals, and doesn’t come with any unpleasant side effects (when done properly).

Both high- and low-intensity workouts offer physiological benefits by triggering a series of chemicals events that help improve brain function and regulate mood. That means, regardless of your current level of physical fitness, there are plenty of exercises and movements you can practice — anytime or anywhere — to help relieve stress.

But how much physical activity is necessary to start feeling the benefits? The Mayo Clinic suggests doing 30 minutes of exercise a day for three to five days a week, but don’t feel like you have to get it all done in one session.

Beginning this Monday, try to record 150 minutes of physical activity per week by using our list of small steps to get you moving. Because getting active doesn’t have to be a workout.

Source: Exercise the Body and Mind with Tai Chi

Filed under City of Decatur, Decatur Parks & Rec, Exercise, Healthy Monday, Monday Campaigns Tagged with , , ,

Exercise the Body and Mind with Tai Chi

May 15, 2023 by

Tai chi is a Chinese discipline that brings together the mind, body, and spirit to strengthen your physical and mental resolve. The basic principles of tai chi involve integrating the mind and body, controlling movements and breathing, and generating internal energy.

Did you know that Decatur Parks & Rec offers a variety of Tai chi and Qigong classes? Check them out here: taichi4lifecoop.org

So how can you use this ancient practice to get moving on Monday? A 45-minute session of tai chi might not leave you covered in sweat, but regularly practicing a variety of poses can strengthen the lower- and upper-body, improve flexibility, balance, and aerobic conditioning, and quiet unruly thoughts.

Similar to introductory yoga poses, tai chi movements are simple to execute and low-impact, making them easier on the joints and muscles and generally safe for any fitness level. Even people with certain health conditions can practice by making modifications if needed.

Tai chi can be practiced from the comfort of your bedroom or living room, but before giving it a try search online for videos with experienced instructors who can explain the movements and methods. These movements may not be appropriate for all fitness levels, so remember to start slow. If you have concerns or a history of injury, please first check with your doctor to discuss the appropriate course of action.

Source: Exercise the Body and Mind with Tai Chi

Filed under City of Decatur, Decatur Parks & Rec, Exercise, Healthy Monday, Monday Campaigns Tagged with , , ,

Are you walking correctly?

March 13, 2023 by Leave a comment

Like any other exercise, walking requires proper form and technique to be done safely and effectively

We learn to walk when we’re still in diapers, but that doesn’t mean we necessarily know how to walk correctly. Like any other exercise, walking requires the right technique in order to be done safely and effectively.

Proper walking form incorporates four different elements: posture, foot motion, stride, and arm movement. For posture, hold your head high, place your shoulders back, and tighten your mid-section. Remember to stand up straight and don’t arch your back. When in motion, your arm movements should be minimal; make sure that as one arm goes back, the opposite foot goes forward, and do your best to keep your hands partially closed but not clenched — a clenched fist can raise your blood pressure.

Now let’s focus on what’s happening waist down. Do your best to tuck your pelvis under your torso and position your feet straight ahead and parallel to each other. With each step, remember to hit the ground first with your heel and roll through to your toe. When it comes to your walking stride, don’t take too big a step forward; be in control and aim for longer strides on your back step. Imagine you’re using your back foot to propel you forward.

When you go on your daily walk this Monday, focus on form and take the extra time to make sure you’re walking correctly.

From our friends at Move it Monday!

Filed under Exercise, Healthy Monday, Monday Campaigns, Walk Decatur Tagged with , , ,

Use Monday to Stay on the Right Track

February 28, 2022 by Leave a comment

New routines can take some time to get going. If you’ve been trying to make your day more active, use this Monday to check in on your progress and to stay on track. Did you use January to make a new resolution? Consider Mondays instead! You can resolve to keep moving and try new activities every week. You haven’t fallen off the wagon yet! You might just need to make some minor adjustments.

Staying active can become second nature to you no matter what your fitness level is. In the beginning, keep track of how often you get up and move throughout the day and how much time you spend moving.

Experts recommend 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week, or about 30 minutes per day, five days a week. You can build up to that kind of goal over time. For now, draw up an hourly schedule and note when you get up and what you do. If you find that you’re sitting for a long period of time, find an activity that will help break up that block of time.

You can use every Monday to reset your practice, add to it, or change it up if you want to do something more or less challenging. Changing your lifestyle is not a sprint – it can be done incrementally, over the course of time. You can hit the “reset” button every Monday and reach new goals every week!

Here are a few simple exercises that will keep you moving throughout the day:

Mini workouts: Whenever you can find a few moments, do quick exercises in short bursts that will get your heart beating and muscles moving!

Chair yoga: If you can’t leave your desk, take some time to stretch and prevent yourself from getting stiff. Bonus: A little yoga will help you reduce stress!

Walking: Walking is real exercise. Consider organizing or walking a Monday Mile. But if you can’t find the time to do that, take short walks throughout the day. Park your car further away from your destination instead of finding the closest spot. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk during conversations or meetings at work. Every step counts!

It’s never too late to start being more active on a daily basis. Monday is a great day to start adding a little bit more movement to your day that can continue through the rest of the week!

Filed under Exercise, Healthy Monday, Monday Campaigns

Decatur Active Living’s Holiday Hours

December 17, 2021 by Leave a comment

Happy Holidays to all! Decatur Active Living facilities and programs will have a modified schedule until the New Year.

Decatur Recreation Center and Ebster Recreation Center will close on Thursday, December 23 at 2:00 PM through Monday, January 3.

Glenlake Tennis Center will be closed on December 24 and December 25 as well as December 31 and January 1. All other days have normal business hours.

Oakhurst Indoor Pool will have normal business hours except for the following dates:

  • Friday, December 23: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • December 24 and 25: Closed for Christmas
  • Sunday, December 26: 12:00 PM (noon) – 5:00 PM
  • Friday, December 31: 6:00 AM – 2:00 pm
  • January 1: Closed on New Years Day
  • Sunday, January 2: 12:00 PM (noon) – 5:00 PM

If you are in need of immediate assistance, please reach out to our front desk at 404-377-0494.

Filed under Adult Sports, City of Decatur, City of Decatur School System, Decatur Greenspaces, Decatur Parks & Recreation Board, Exercise, Healthy Monday, Monday Campaigns, Safe Routes to School, Teens, Third Thursday, Walk Decatur, Walking School Bus, Youth Classes, Youth Sports

Gratitude Monday

November 22, 2021 by Leave a comment

It is the perfect time to reflect on what you are thankful for during Thanksgiving week. Our friends from DeStress Monday encourage us to reach out to the people in your life who make it special.

You are what makes Decatur Active Living so special! We are incredibly grateful for continued support and participation in our programs. THANK YOU for making Decatur Active Living so great.

Filed under City of Decatur, Healthy Monday, Monday Campaigns

Decatur Parents Network hosting “The Science of Addiction Recovery” speaker series.

September 28, 2021 by Leave a comment

Join the Decatur Parents Network for National Recovery Month tomorrow, September 29th at 7pm via Zoom.. Hear from Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist , Susan Morley, about The Science of Addiction Recovery. Scan the QR code below to register for the speaker series.

Filed under City of Decatur, City of Decatur School System, Decatur Parks & Recreation Board, Healthy Monday

Move It Monday: Try Habit-Stacking

August 23, 2021 by Leave a comment

From our friends at the MondayCampaigns.org:

We know what you’re thinking — what is habit stacking?

The idea behind habit stacking is simple: add a new behavior to your daily schedule by “stacking it” on top of an existing habit. The concept of habit stacking was pioneered by James Clear, author of the New York Times bestseller, Atomic Habits, and it is designed to help individuals incorporate more healthy behaviors into their lives without disrupting their normal routine. Seamlessly incorporating physical activity throughout the day can lead to weight loss and reduced instances of chronic illnesses such as diabetes or hypertension.

For example, many of us make coffee in the morning, and, whether you’re using a drip pot or French press, the brewing process takes between 5 – 10 minutes. During the time you wait for your coffee, you can easily add a new better-for-you behavior into your schedule, such as a few sets of high knees or a light jog-in-place.

By stacking enough of these habits, you’ll effectively incorporate a surprising amount of extra physical activity into your daily routine without even realizing it.

For ideas and to learn more, click here.

Filed under Healthy Monday, Monday Campaigns

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